When the guys at DHL (UK) spotted we’d made models for both UK Mail and Hermes they knew we were the right company to supply a high quality model of their brand new southern depot at Poyle, near Windsor. Like the UK Mail and Hermes models, this needed to be a “roof-off” view of the building showing the huge investment in sophisticated sorting machinery within the new depot. DHL actually went a step further and asked us to make the model interactive so that ten specific areas of the machinery could be illuminated individually at the touch of a button (you can see the buttons in the main pic above). The most difficult part of this project was deciphering the CAD info for the machinery and then modelling the complex industrial components to a slightly simplified but recognisable level. We then had to work out how to build in the LEDs so that only the relevant areas lit up. All in all, it was a very technically demanding brief but DHL were very clear what they wanted and we delivered!

Taylor Wimpey, one of the largest home builders in the UK, have been regular clients of ours for over a decade and this project was one of three sales models we’ve made for them in the last eight months. At 2.2m long x 1.7m wide it’s an extremely large model so they had to allow plenty of room for it in their sales office, as you can see in one of the pics above. For big developments like this, 1:250 scale is an ideal choice because it allows us to show a good level of detail without the model base becoming too big to be practical. This was an especially challenging project because, apart from having over 350 units, it was also a steeply sloping site which meant we had to accurately model all the levels and contours, including steps, embankments and retaining walls in virtually all the gardens.

We produced a model for this client two months ago and they were so pleased they instantly came back to us for another one. This model of one of their recently refurbished buildings is at 1:100 scale which allows us to show a high level of realistic detail, including the original salvaged signs which you can see in a couple of the images. At only 400 mm square the model is very compact so adds a unique, eye catching feature to their offices without taking up too much space. It also leaves room for a third model, we like to think!

Designed and constructed within two weeks for a presentation at the House of Commons, the main problem we had with this model wasn’t the tight deadline but how best to show an underwater view of the power generating turbines at the heart of this renewable energy project. We also had to illustrate different water levels on the inside and seaward side of the lagoon structure. Our solution was to create the water as a thin clear layer with a sprayed on rippled, surface finish and then cut out large viewing “windows” on either side of the turbine structure. This allowed clear low angle views through the turbines as can be seen from the inset pic above.

We recently completed this 1:150 scale sales model for a new client, a Kent based developer, and as soon as it was delivered their response was: “…the model is fab! The sales director and sales advisor are both really pleased with it – it’s a great tool which will help us to sell these new homes off-plan! Thank you for all your hard work.”
What makes our sales models so effective is the quality of finish and high level of detail we can achieve. This gives house purchasers a clear vision of how the building and gardens will look and enables them to buy with confidence, even when the building is little more than a set of muddy foundations. Our client was so pleased with the first model we’re just about to complete a second project and are in the quoting process for two other sites.